The Abington Heights School District has two Student Assistance Programs that are supported by the Board of School Directors’ resolution of 1988 to address the needs of students. These support teams are members of PASAP. PASAP is an association of school and community-based program specialists organized to meet the needs of Pennsylvania youth for education, prevention, intervention, referral, and support services in the area of at-risk behaviors affecting mental health and wellness. Alcohol and other drug related problems are a major focus of these support teams. Members of the Student Support Teams are trained through the Pennsylvania Department of Education with the primary purpose of helping students and parents resolve adolescent problems.

The Student Assistance Program Teams (SAP) are intervention programs staffed by teachers, guidance counselors, nursing staff, administrators and members from appropriate community agencies. (Lackawanna County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Scranton Counseling.) The Middle School and High School teams are trained to identify and refer high-risk students to appropriate treatment.

High-risk concerns: Include, but not limited to, substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, suicide prevention, pregnancy or depression.

Referrals: Referrals may come from another student, parent, teacher, counselor or administrator and will be kept strictly confidential. If there is a concern for the physical or emotional well-being of a student, contact a member of the “SAP" Teams. Parents will be contacted and informed of the concerns and will be offered necessary services to help deal with the problem. Forms can be found in the faculty rooms, guidance office, library or sent through email.

• To make a referral for a High School student, send an email to corwins@ahsd.org. Please include the name of the student, grade level and a description of the concern.
• To make a referral for a Middle School student, send an email to smiths@ahsd.org. Please include the name of the student, grade level and a description of the concern.

Team Interventions: Formal interventions may take place for the benefit of the student, their families and the school community. The goal of an intervention is to encourage the student and family to seek further assistance for the problems that face them. By relaying observable behaviors to the parties involved, the Student Support Teams hope to assist families with these difficult decisions.

Meetings of the “SAP” Core Teams are held each week. Students with referrals are identified and the network system of the school, home and community is initiated. Strict confidentiality is upheld.

High School Student Assistance Program:

Michael Williams (Social Studies)

Gina Jayne (Math)

Kristen Rude (Physical Education)

Sarah Geoffroy (Social Studies)

Susan Corwin (Intervention Counselor)*:

*Send referrals to her email address: corwins@ahsd.org

Referral Form

Amy Moran (Social Studies)

Beth Ann Stone (Nurse)

Andrew Snyder (Assistant High School Principal)

Marcy Curra (World Languages Coordinator)

Peter Smith (Director of Student Services)

Middle School Assistance Program:

Stacey Bamford (Counselor)

Sarah Smith (Counselor)*:

*Send referrals to her email address: smiths@ahsd.org

Kim Zambetti (6th)

Melissa Bruno (5th)

Brian Hiller (7th)

Mike Boylan (8th)

Cathy Johnson (8th)

Dena Maciak (Art)

MarKay Nocera (Art)

Tina Santaniello (Nurse)

Michael Elia (Middle School Principal)

If you have any questions about the High School Student Assistance Program, email Susan Corwin at corwins@ahsd.org. If you have any questions about the Middle School Assistance Program, contact Sarah Smith at smiths@ahsd.org.

Referral Form

Assisting Agencies with Confidential Services:

• Drug & Alcohol Commission Hot Line: 961 - 1234
• Lackawanna County Commission on Drug & Alcohol Abuse: 963 - 6820
• Scranton Counseling Center Hot Line: 348 - 6100
• Lackawanna County Bureau of Children & Youth Services: 963 - 6781
• Clearbrook Treatment Services: 341 - 8145
• Women's Resource Center: 346 - 4671
• Children & Youth Services: 963 - 6781
• Planned Parenthood & HIV Testing: 344 - 2626